Referring to his description of Mr Kim as a "little rocket man", when relations between the two countries were at a low point, Mr Trump added: "North Korea, under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, will become a great Economic Powerhouse.

"He may surprise some but he won't surprise me, because I have gotten to know him & fully understand how capable he is. North Korea will become a different kind of Rocket - an Economic one!"

Image:North Korean soldiers cheer as Kim Jong Un passes by

After his last meeting with Mr Kim in Singapore last June, Mr Trump was criticised for failing to secure clear results or any treaties.

In footage aired by North Korean state-run television station KRT, Mr Kim was seen visiting the Ministry of People's Armed Forces and making a speech marking the 71st anniversary of Korean People's Army, which occurred on Friday.

KRT said Mr Kim had told his audience he remained determined to build a powerful socialist state.

He was later shown watching a concert of the State Merited Chorus with his wife Ri Sol Ju and attending a banquet with high-profile officials.